2020 was a challenging year. The COVID-19 pandemic forced the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metropolitan Baltimore (BGCMB) to transition and adapt to the new virtual environment. Despite the challenges we faced as an organization, this year proved BGCMB will continue doing whatever it takes to ensure every child has access to a great future.
Looking back, here are BGCMB’s top moments worth recognizing from a year that we will never forget:
1) Eight Boys & Girls Club organizations received an investment of $1.7 million from the Governor’s Office of Crime Prevention, Youth, and Victim Services. The grant will support the expansion of Boys & Girls Club programs across the State of Maryland to benefit an estimated 5,000 young people. The collaboration will be led by Boys & Girls Clubs of Metropolitan Baltimore.
2) COVID-19 response fills the gap for BGCMB kids and families. In March, BGCMB pivoted to assist our kids and their families during the pandemic to provide food, basic necessities, access to Wi-fi and devices, and extending hours for learning and childcare. Thanks to our donors, we were able to make over 1,500 phone calls and “screen door” visits to check on our families, offer 480 hours of virtual programing and mentoring, keep Club doors open for children of essential personnel, give over 120 tablets to Club kids, and conduct over 700 hours of summer camp programming.
3) President and CEO, Jeff Breslin was named to the Daily Record’s list of Maryland’s 2020 Most Admired CEOs. The Most Admired CEOs awards honor business leaders and nonprofit executive directors throughout the state. Each honoree’s leadership and vision is admired by their employees and the greater community. Breslin was selected by a panel of judges based on his professional accomplishments and community service.
4) Renovations were completed in our Westport Club. With support from generous sponsors, BGCMB was able to complete renovations at our Westport Club to sustain a growing teen population and better position the Club as a learning support center during virtual school.
5) BGCMB extended its hours to support virtual school. With schools closed this fall, Clubs remained open with extended hours, beginning at 8 a.m., to serve as learning support centers. Virtual programming continued to be offered through Clubhouse @YourHouse.
6) The first-ever “Teen Summer Club” took place. This six-week summer camp was geared toward career preparation, career launch and community service. Teens learned about business ownership, career readiness and how to build a brand. The new program had over 50 participants.
7) BGCMB kids played basketball during halftime of a Morgan State game. In February, Kids from our O’Donnell Heights and Webster Kendricks Clubs had an opportunity to play a basketball game on the Morgan State court in Hill Field House during halftime of a women’s game. Watch a clip HERE.
8) “Designing Our Future” conversations were created and conducted. This served as the beginning of our strategic planning process. Partnering with the Jumla Network, Jeff Breslin had conversations with all staff members and BGCMB’s Board of Directors focused on the organization’s vision, programs, growth and evolution.
Looking ahead to 2021, our mission remains clear as a youth development leader. Everyone at BGCMB will continue to stay focused on serving the youth of Baltimore and enhancing our services to meet their needs.
If you would like to support our mission heading into the new year, make an end of year contribution at our donation portal. Thank you for considering and Happy New Year!
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